Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

Sure, the iPad is portable, but so is a 17-inch laptop. I would not go as far as to call it mobile.

Samsung's original Galaxy Tab measured at 7 inches. It was a great device. I bought one, but it is now ancient in the racing timeline of mobile evolution.

The company now offers three more tablets including an updated 7-inch model, a 10.1-inch iPad competitor and the 8.9-inch Tab.

AT&T provided me with a 4G Galaxy Tab 8.9 to review during the roll out of its speedy LTE network.

It actually is the size that interested me the most since I've tested tablets both larger and smaller, but not quite in between. I've found the 7-inch form factor advantageous over my smaller-screened smartphones, but at times till too small. Larger tablets can get tiring after extended use.

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is more comfortable than the old Tab, and despite its 15.9-ounces weight, it feels lighter than the 13.58-ounce original Galaxy Tab 7-inch. Samsung has also rounded the edges more to make it more comfortable to hold. The Tab 8.9 is .13-inches thinner too.

Sure for a few bucks more you can get the larger Tab 10.1, or you could say the Tab 8.9 is everything its bigger brother is in a smaller package for less coin.

The Tab 8.9, which fits into a coat pocket, is on the edge, but within what I consider mobile. I prefer the mobility of the smaller device.

Honeycomb is the OS loaded at this time, but Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich for the Tab 8.9 is coming this quarter.

Tabs are not inexpensive, but if you are in the market for something other than an iPad Samsung would be on your look list.

Samsung's Galaxy Tabs are sleek, well-made, and have decent battery life. The lack of an SD card slot may deter some, but guess what other tablet doesn't have one.

Having been on the market a few months savvy shoppers might find a deal. If you're also in the market for a smartphone it will be hard to beat AT&T's offer of a Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Galaxy S II Skyrocket package for $480.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

Operating System: AndroidT 3.2, Honeycomb

Front-Facing camera: 2.0 Megapixel

Rear-Facing camera: 3.2 Megapixel and HD Recording, up to 720p; HD Playback, up to 1080p; TV-Out

Dimensions (W x H x D): 9.09" x 6.21" x 0.34"

Weight: 15.9 Ounces

Battery: 6100mAh for up to 11 hours of use and up to 400 hours of standby